Custom Countertop Creations

Granite Countertops

Custom Countertop Creations Inc. provides granite stone countertops available in rich and elegant textures, found in colors ranging from light accents to deep and dark tones. Click here to view samples of our most popular granite selections.

Granite is a natural stone that is hard-working and durable. It is an ideal choice for countertops. In addition, it is becoming an increasingly popular material for counters in both new and remodeled houses. Granite stone countertops represent a positive investment in your home and will provide years of serviceability.

Granite's polish can last indefinitely with basic care. When properly sealed, it is also resistant to stains, and is easily cleaned. Because granite is a natural stone, no two segments are identical as in nature there are color changes and variations in every slab.

Slabs of granite vary in color, pattern, and texture. Whether you plan to sell your home soon or not, you can increase the value of your home with granite. Questions? Call us at (847) 931-1733

Custom Countertop Creations Inc. offers a great selection of common and custom edge-types for your countertop. Click here to view some of the most popular edge-types that we offer.

Visit Our Showroom to Start

Custom Countertop Creations Inc. will work closely with you to create a solution that will fit both your countertop environment as well as your budget. The best way to get started is to visit our showroom, browse our selection, and work with one of our friendly and knowledgable consultants.

"Natural Stone" refers to a number of products quarried from the earth, used over many thousands of years as building materials and decorative enhancements. These products include Granite, Marble, Limestone, Travertine, Slate, Quartzite, Sandstone, Adoquin, Onyx and others. They are more than just rocks – natural stone is hand selected from the best, most consistent sources for durability and beauty.

Where in my home can I use natural stone?

Natural Stone can be used on nearly every surface both inside and outside the home, including floors, kitchen countertops, vanity tops, bathrooms, patios, walkways, fireplaces, facades, wall cladding, and garden landscaping.

Why can some finishes not be used outside?

Some types of stone are better suited for interior applications than exterior because they cannot withstand harsh weather extremes and may crack, crumble or fade. Also, stones with naturally slip – resistant surfaces are better for outdoor walkways or patios than those with smooth, polished surfaces. Some multicolored slates bleed color upon contact with water.

Where do natural stones come from?

Natural stones are quarried directly from the earth’s crust, and every piece is unique. The only processing they need is shaping into various forms, sizes and finishes.

Why are most natural stones imported?

Sources of natural stone with desirable qualities are found all over the world, in many different locations. Some sources are better than others due to the stones’ appearance, hardness, and other qualities. Therefore, stone may be quarried in China, India, Africa, South America, and some does come from within the United States borders.

What thickness is used for kitchen countertops?

The thickness of a kitchen countertop is generally either 0.75” or 1.25”. In the eastern U.S. the larger thickness is preferred, and western consumers prefer the thinner.

What is thickness tolerance for different types of stone?

Thickness tolerance varies from stone to stone. Slates generally have a tolerance of 0.38”, and granite tiles have a tolerance of 0.06”.

Why is a honed finish so popular for homes?

A honed finish creates a soft, matte, appearance that is more suited to casusal, comfortable enviroments than a formal polished surface.

Questions About Granite

Do granite slabs or granite tiles emit harmful radiation?

Granite tiles and slabs for commercial and residential applications do not emit harmful radiation. For more information, consult the Marble Institute of America’s website.

Why is Granite preferred for kitchen and bar countertops?

Countertops in kitchens and bar areas are often exposed to acidic substances such as lemon, vinegar, alcohol, and tomato sauce. Knives, dishes, pots, pans, and other implements may cause scratching or lesser materials. Granite is the hardest and densest of all natural stones. The feldspar content of the stone keeps it water resistant, and the silicates it contains won’t react with acid. These properties help granite resist staining and retain its fine luster over a longer period of time than ceramic tiles or other stones.

How does Granite countertops differ from Corian countertops?

Granite is a natural stone, and Corian is a man – made material. As a plastic based material, Corian is more prone to scratching, deformation and loss of finish due to heat damage. Granite is more durable, easy to maintain, resistant to scratches and stains – and much more appealing to the eye. Granite is available in a wider range of colors than Corian, and costs less as well.

Different Types of Stone Finshes

Natural Cleft

Unique to slate, it has a slightly uneven surface that is still usable for flooring. This finish cannot be created, but occurs naturally as the layers of slate are quarried. One side (back side) can be gauged to facilitate ease of “thin set” installation. Some marbles, sandstones and limestone’s are available with heavy clefting, suitable for wall installations only.

Polished

Grinding, sanding, and buffing produce a high gloss, mirror – like surface.

Honed

Grinding and sanding produces a smooth, yet not glossy finish. This is the best for low maintenance, high traffic situations.

Flamed

A flamed surface is achieved by subjecting the stone to the high temperature flame of a torch and burning most of the carbon content, leaving textured quartzites with gentle coloration.

Sandblasted

This is a rough, but tidy look created by applying a high pressure blast of sand to the stone’s surface.

River Wash

This finish is often given to granites, and provides a non-slippery surface while retaining the coloration and grain structure of the stone.

Leather

Available only in Melange marble, this finish gives the stone a suede look and feel. This texture is smooth and slip-resistant.

Tumbled

Tumbled finish applies only to marble tiles and not marble countertops. The marble tiles are literally tumbled to give the tiles a distressed or weathered look, the edges of the tumbled tiles have much softer edges than non tumbled.

Cross Cut

The cross cut method involves end-cutting blocks of travertine to display a less linear, more rounded “wavy” pattern.

Vein Cut

Opposite of cross-cutting, the veining of the stone is shown as a linear pattern.

Veneer Stone

Any stone used as a decorative facing material as wall cladding which is not meant to be load bearing. Veneer may be made from different finishes, such as split face, cleft, honed, polished, flamed or tumbled.

Gauged vs. Ungauged

Slate is cleft out of blocks of form tiles. When it is cleft by machine or with a saw, it is gauged because a uniform thickness is formed. Un-gauged stone is hand cleft and its thickness may vary up to 5/8 of an inch.

Cost of Stone

Why are some stones more expensive than others?

Stones that are harder and denser are more difficult and expensive to quarry and process. Quarrying methods vary as well; stones may be quarried below ground, which is more expensive than above ground. Also, since natural stone is quarried all over the world, long distance shipping factors into the price.

Why are bigger sizes more expensive?

The larger the stone, the more difficult it is to process, handle, pack, and transport. Larger sizes also tend to have a higher amount of waste compared to the part that is used, which makes them more expensive.

Do I get lower prices for larger quantity?

The availability of a particular stone is the most important factor in determining price. However, handling and transportation cost does drop slightly for a larger quantity. The best way to reduce cost is to find a stone dealer who is running a special on a particular product.

Care and Maintenance

What care and maintenance of the stone products are recommended?

Stone surfaces are very easy to maintain. Clean stone floors with warm water and a mild liquid soap. Never use acid cleansers or abrasive chemicals on stone. Natural stone should be sealed after installation and every on to two years thereafter, depending on it application.

What is an impregnator sealer? How does it help stone?

Impregnator sealer consists of microscopic balls of silicone that attach themselves to crevices inside the stone. These balls become a permanent part of the stone, and act as a waterproof shield.

How often do I need to apply penetrating sealer to my natural stone surfaces?

There is no set rule on how often to seal your natural stone. Sealing can be as frequent as six months for higher traffic areas on marble, slate, travertine, and limestone or every couple of years for granite countertops. Also some sealers provide for only a single application every ten years. Please review the guidelines for each individual sealer.

Why does granite need to be sealed?

All natural stone including marble and granite, must be properly sealed to protect against staining. Without proper and regular sealing, granite and other natural stones are porous and can absorb spilled substances and leave unsightly stains and marks.

What can I use to seal natural stone and tile and where can I buy it?

A sealer that penetrates and protects natural stone and tile can be purchased at any home improvement or hardware store.

How do I remove ring marks and other stains from marble, granite, travertine and other natural stone surfaces?

If your marble tiles, travertine tiles or granite countertops have a stain, consult a restoration professional. A Poultice kit is another stain removal option, this product can be found at most home improvement stores.

What can I use to clean travertine, marble, or granite tiles and slabs?

Neutral cleaners are needed to clean natural stone tiles. Acidic or alkaline cleaners should be avoided as they can open the pours of the natural stone and change the color of the surface.

How can I fill the natural voids and holes in travertine tile if I want a smoother surface?

Part of the beauty of travertine tiles, is the natural composition causes small voids and holes. If however, you want a smoother surface, the best way to fill the holes is to use a sanded grout in a color as close to the travertine as possible.